Street was the scene of a protest when a vegetarian group appealed for shoppers to say no to leather.

Viva – Vegetarians International Voice for Animals – targeted the Street-based shoe manufacturers Clarks on Friday afternoon in a new campaign asking them to make a move towards using more sustainable materials for their shoes.

The group carried placards and handed out leaflets detailing the slaughter of animals for the leather trade and the conditions they are kept in.

"Two million pairs of shoes – most of which are made from leather – are thrown away every week and end up in landfill sites," said Fiona Galbraith from Viva. "Due to toxic chemicals added to leather during production to prevent decomposition, the shoes take years to biodegrade."

The group has written to Clarks, urging it to develop a range of non-leather shoes and consider reducing its use of leather.

The company has also been sent a copy of the group's new report, Not Your Skin, which highlights the environmental and ethical issues of leather production.

"As one of the UK's biggest shoe manufacturers, we are asking Clarks to take the lead in setting an ethical example by reducing the amount of leather it uses," said Ms Galbraith.

"Consumers are more aware than ever about the environmental impact of products, so it would be fantastic for shoppers to have the choice to go green with their footwear, too."

PC Matt Slade, from Street Police Station, said that the protest had been peaceful and they had not been called out to attend.